Former Corrie star Ryan Thomas sparked outrage among fans after he dressed up as the soap’s Hilda Ogden

The actor donned the iconic rollers and headscarf during a two day Corrie convention

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NICOLA FAHEY

31 Oct 2016, 17:13

Updated: 1 Nov 2016, 12:33

FORMER Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas freaked out fans when he turned up for a meet and greet dressed as Hilda Ogden - just two weeks after Cobbles’ legend Jean Alexander’s death.

The actor, 32, donned the soap icon’s famous headscarf and rollers for a two-day Corrie bash in Toronto – but the joke move was deemed “too soon” by some of the show’s Canadian lovers.

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The actor donned the soap icon’s famous headscarf and rollersCredit: The Sun

A source close close to Ryan said: "When the fan asked Ryan to put the clothes on for a photograph he obliged because he didn't want to disappoint the guy who was clearly a huge fan of the show.

"On the night noone took offence and took it in the spirit with which it was meant.

"Ryan is very aware of how iconic Hilda Ogden was as a Coronation Street character which is down to the brilliance of Jean Alexander as an actress.

"He would be devastated if anyone did take offence."

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But the joke move was deemed “too soon” by some of the show’s Canadian loversCredit: The Sun

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The late Jean Alexander as her iconic character Hilda OgdenCredit: Rex Features

The Sun told how Ryan, 32, who played unlucky-in-love builder Jason Grimshaw, had flown half way around the world to meet fans to drum up extra cash since struggling to find work since quitting the soap in June.

Jean Alexander passed away three days after her 90th birthday on October 13.

The national treasure served 23 years on the soap as house-proud busybody Hilda.